The Entrepreneurial Winning Women Program is a national competition and executive leadership program that identifies and connects a select group of women entrepreneurs with the advisors, resources and insights they need to become market leaders.

In becoming part of the Entrepreneurial Winning Women Program, our winners join an elite network of the country’s best entrepreneurial, high-growth companies and participate in a customized program designed to:

Expand their knowledge with the latest information, research and executive dialogs on business strategies and practices tailored to high-growth companies.

By invitation only and held on November 11–15, 2015, in Palm Springs, California, the Forum convenes more than 2,300 leaders of the nation’s most successful high-growth companies, their investors and advisors to share growth strategies and discuss current marketplace opportunities and challenges.

All 2015 Entrepreneurial Winning Women are introduced and honored at a special celebratory event during the Forum. In addition, the Forum presents a one-of-a-kind platform for Entrepreneurial Winning Women to:

Introduce their companies.

Share their corporate and personal brands.

Position their companies with established entrepreneurs, top executives, business advisors and prospective investors who can guide their decision-making and contribute to their success.

The applicant’s company must be fewer than 10 years old and have achieved at least $2m in annual sales for at least each of the past two fiscal years. Typical applicant company revenue ranges from $2m up to approximately $20m annually.

Applicants who are selected must be able to attend and fully participate in the following two events (no exceptions):

Two-day EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women Orientation/Training Session, October 15-16, 2015, in New York City

Yes. The information on the application form will be used by EY program management and the national panel of independent judges in connection with the administration of the competition. Program sponsors will receive summary information (non-financial information only).

The EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women will be selected by an esteemed panel of independent judges representing successful entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders.

Selection criteria: Applicants will be expected to demonstrate qualities needed to take the fullest advantage of this opportunity, including successes to date that exhibit the creativity, tenacity and plan necessary to realize their companies’ full potential and the confidence and conviction to drive toward market leadership.

In addition, Entrepreneurial Winning Women should have the maturity and level of business sophistication needed to interact effectively with potential investors, high-level business advisors and top executives.

Around the world, women entrepreneurs account for nearly 30 percent of private enterprises, and women-owned firms start at twice the rate of men in the US. However, women-owned businesses do not typically reach the scale of businesses run by men.

Additionally, more than 25 years of experience through Entrepreneur Of The Year, EY has a strong view of entrepreneurial success, and we noticed not enough women were represented at the highest levels of achievement.

We know experienced role models and access to business-building networks are critical for women entrepreneurs and this program is designed to deliver just that. Through Entrepreneurial Winning Women, EY identifies a select group of women entrepreneurs with established, successful businesses and clear growth goals. The program provides introductions to an influential network of entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, investors and advisors, as well as potential partners, strategic alliances, customers and suppliers, who can help the entrepreneurs think bigger and scale their companies.

Although both awards recognize successful entrepreneurs, the Entrepreneurial Winning Women Program is more than an award. It is an ongoing customized leadership development program with year-round activities designed to help women entrepreneurs become market leaders and ultimately compete more effectively for Entrepreneur Of The Year.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.